1.   And those who make that argument include the pitchers Goose Gossage and Joe Black.

2.   Based on Wells, the Rangers would have had to include pitcher Rick Helling, along with Mateo and something else, to approach the New York offer.

3.   According to reports, Edmonds would have gone to Seattle in a package that would have included pitcher Brett Tomko and a couple of prospects.

4.   After the game, ESPN reported that a deal had been completed with the Dodgers for Johnson that included pitcher Hideo Nomo and outfielders Wilton Guerrero and Roger Cedeno.

5.   All four free agents signed this week by the Rangers, including pitchers Bob Tewksbury, Roger McDowell and Jeff Russell, had to take cuts from last season.

6.   But the Sox proved they have more weapons than weaknesses, including a pitcher, Derek Lowe, who suddenly ranks among the toughest in the game.

7.   Club officials have touched base with representatives for a number of free agents, including pitchers Mike Hampton, Denny Neagle and Kevin Appier.

8.   Eleven Olympic hopefuls, including seven pitchers, were taken in the first round of the professional baseball draft.

9.   Everyone in the lineup, including pitcher Mark Clark, had at least one hit Thursday.

10.   Every St. Louis starter got a hit, including pitcher Andy Benes, who held the surging Mets to two runs on six hits and three walks.